Agencies meet to network for youth

A forum designed to bring together youth agencies to benefit young people from Kwinana and Rockingham was held at the Gary Holland Centre on September 8.

Picture: Megan Levy and May Jones

School Business Community Partnership broker Keran Sandhu, the forum coordinator, said the day was about networking.

‘‘The aim is to have all the agencies working together seamlessly for the benefit of youth — to help them with attainment and transition of further education or employment opportunities,’’ she said.

‘‘There are 17 different agencies here, along with employment or training agencies are those that support youth health and wellbeing.’’

She explained that the forum’s role was to establish local and sustainable partnerships which included providing challenging, relevant and engaging learning opportunities, promoting lifelong learning and career pathway planning, and building community capacity.

Rehabilitation consultant Megan Levy from one of the agencies present on the day, CRS Australia, said there were challenges for youths, especially those with a disability or injury.

‘‘We help young people get into the workforce, it can be especially tough for those with disabilities or injuries,’’ she said.

‘‘We focus on giving these people support.’’

The event was the first of three forums, with the other two to be held this month in Mandurah and Melville.